What’s got my attention this week?
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Book: Washington Square by Henry James
I’m to the Js in my pursuit of the classic authors, and this early novel by James is surprising me with its darkly comic look at a hapless debutante. It’s a great example of what William C. Martell talks of in his book Your Idea Machine as the author
…having us identify with a person who is different… while also making fun of them. So the audience is making fun of themselves–not cruel. This is one thing [people] often get wrong–they think the movies are funny because they make fun of people who are different… but that is cruel.
Movie: Toy Story directed by John Lasseter
Having just finished Pixar president Ed Catmull’s brilliant Creativity, Inc., I’ve decided to go back and re-watch all the Pixar movies in chronological order (with the possible exception of the egregious Cars 2). You can read my story structure analysis of it over on Helping Writers Become Authors.
Music: The Knock-Down Drag-Outs by House of Heroes
Not brilliant. It’s B-Sides and covers, after all. But it’s House of Heroes, so I still love it.
Food: Meatloaf
The Quaker Oatmeal recipe. Only way to go.
Gadget: Vizini–The Strapless Visor
Because how awesome is a company named Vizini? (“I do not think that word means what you think it means.”) Plus, shade without the hair problems.
Cute Animal I Want This Week
FreeImages.com/Mike Bolling
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6 Things That Have My Attention This Week
A neat variety of interests for you this week. For myself, so far,I have two books that I have been asked to read and review, a weekday picnic planned with four of my Grandchildren, and a letter to write to my oldest Grandson (he loves pen to paper letters rather than emails; and I love that about him). Have a great week! 🙂
Aww, a picnic sounds lovsly. I haven’t been on one yet this summer.mi need to remedy that!
I use that same meatloaf recipe. It’s the best!
Beats bread crumbs any day of the week!
Yes! Better than any recipe I’ve tried. And leftover meatloaf in a sandwich is pretty awesome too. Making meatloaf right now since you made me hungry for it. :p
Many years ago, a TV show called Knots Landing had a character named Mack who made fun of people who put oatmeal in their meatloaf. I was insulted! Insulted, I say! 😉
Meatloaf in a sandwich–I’ve never tried that one! I am trying to stay away from wheat as much as possible though.
You can buy gluten-free bread. It’s a bit more expensive, but better for you. I like mayo on my meatloaf sandwich.
Spelt bread is really good. I eat a lot of that for breakfast in the winters when it’s too cold for smoothies.
The best meatloaf we made was from Cook’s Illustrated/America’s Test Kitchen. Here’s an article about his recipe that uses gelatin. The first page gives you the “why it works”. The second page has the recipe. SO-OOOO good.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/classic-comfort-food-meatloaf/
Part of what make this so good is the tip on letting the fat drain away while cooking.
Thanks! I love America’s Test Kitchen.